re: Career Question

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I've never worked for the government.

But in my private work, the pension maxed at 80% of my annual pay (10 best years compensation) after working for the company for 30 years. Under 30 years just pro-rates against the 80% cap.

You are working off a low number at $40k assuming no promotion.

Shoving $15k aside of the extra $20k compensation into a 401k just appears much more attractive than waiting until 62 to receive $32,000/yr plus the cola adjustments.
And as you said, receiving the pension isn't available until 62 at the earliest.

If government pensions are significantly better than that, I would love to learn more.

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The OP pension is 75% of annual pay (5 best years) for 30 years and 2.5% for every year to 40 years 100%.

There is no way he will be making 40K. I make more than double that and I've been here 10 years.

He has the option to purchase additional years and cash out early and take an actuarially reduced retirement. Depending on how many years he purchase he can offset the early retirement.